A COUNCIL-backed scheme aimed at reducing the amount of food waste in Teignbridge has been hailed as a ‘real success’.
Teignbridge Council’s Recycling Together rewards scheme has attracted the commitment of 48 community groups and nearly 600 local people.
Bins of registered residents were subject to random monthly checks for food waste. If no traces were found, cash prizes came up for grabs. Of the registered 48 local groups 33 benefited from the scheme, with Homeless in Teignbridge Support receiving the top prize of £1,000. The charity listed the highest number of participants, 61 in total.
Hits food bank coordinator Bob Newton said: ‘It was of great surprise for us to have been awarded first prize in this very worthwhile recycling initiative.
‘We extend our grateful thanks to Teignbridge Council for promoting this scheme.’
Ashburton Swimming Pool and Newton Abbot Community Transport were each given £100 as runners-up, with 57 and 39 sign-ups respectively.
The scheme is a part of the council’s 10-year strategy which aims to increase recycling rates, making the district a more pleasant place.
Cllr Kevin Lake, executive spokesman for environment services at Teignbridge, said: ‘There has been a fantastic response to the campaign. I would like to thank everyone who was involved.
‘Recycling is a high-priority issue for the council. Initiatives such as this can only help to increase our recycling rates.
‘Congratulations to the Hits food bank and to all the other winners. I’m sure they will put the prize money to good use.’